The state of
nature is a state of war. No morality exists. Everyone
lives in constant fear. Because of this fear, no one is
really free, but, since even the “weakest” could kill the
“strongest” men ARE equal.

Men exist in the
state of nature in perfect freedom to do what they want. The
state of nature is not necessarily good or bad. It is
chaotic. So, men do give it up to secure the advantages of
civilized society.

Men in a state
of nature are free and equal. In a state of nature, men are “Noble
Savages”. Civilization is what corrupted him.

Purpose of
Government

To impose law
and order to prevent the state of war.

To secure
natural rights, namely man’s property and liberty.

To bring people
into harmony. To unite them under the “General Will”.

Economic System

Pure Capitalism

Mixed Economy

Socialism

Representation

Governments are
designed to control, not necessarily represent.

Representation
ensures that governments are responsive to the people.
Representation is a safeguard against oppression.

Representation
is not enough. Citizens cannot delegate their civic duties.
They must be actively involved. Rousseau favors a more
direct democracy to enact the general will.

Impact on
Founders

Governments must
be designed to protect the people from themselves.

1.Governments
must be designed to protect the people from the government.